On Thursday, August 7, 2025, President Bola Tinubu nominated Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). This move aims to strengthen leadership in Nigeria’s critical power sector.
New Leadership Roles
Ramat, a 39-year-old electrical engineer with a PhD in Strategic Management, brings extensive expertise to the role. He previously served as Chairman of Ungogo Local Government Area in Kano State (2021–2024) and has a track record of implementing smart grid solutions and blockchain-based governance.
Tinubu also nominated:
-
Abubakar Yusuf as Commissioner for Consumer Affairs
-
Dr. Fouad Olayinka Animashun as Commissioner for Finance and Management Services
These appointments aim to drive reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector.
Senate Confirmation Process
All nominations require Senate approval, as stated by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. To avoid a leadership gap, Tinubu directed Ramat to assume the role in an acting capacity until confirmed. The current acting chairman will remain in place until the process is complete.
Tinubu’s Vision
Tinubu urged the nominees to leverage their expertise to advance his administration’s power sector goals, focusing on transparency, accountability, and sustainable energy development.
Why It Matters
NERC, established under the Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005, oversees Nigeria’s electricity industry. These nominations signal a push for innovative leadership to tackle challenges like unreliable power supply and infrastructure deficits.